The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently purchased this machine and am curious if it is a Common Eagle or if it is a BXP ? I haven’t attempted to clean it up yet it is as found , another question is has anyone encountered a reproducer with writing on the diaphragm like this, it says C J Heppe and Sons and perhaps a date in the next line I can’t quite make it out, thanks for any comments. Larry

Hi Larry,

It looks to me like a standard BX, (Oak cased B Eagle). I have seen BXP's in the past and they are highly nickeled and polished.
You may be confused because the governor weights are nickel, but it looks to me like the governor springs and weights have been replaced AKA look at the new screws.

Regarding the diaphragm, I have never seen one like that. Possible dealer upgrade or later replacement diaphragm.

Bob S.

I believe Heppe was a music box and phonograph dealer out of Philadelphia. I've had and seen celluloid tags with that name on it. They might have been distributors as well like Jacot in New York, Lyon and Healy out of Chicago, Baciagalupe out of San Francisco, etc.

I agree with both comments above. Heppe was a well-known Philadelphia dealer. I have a cylinder box with a large Heppe paper label. I've never seen a Heppe diaphragm until now.

The Eagle pictured is numbered well below the known range of BXPs.

George P.

Bob, Paul and George Thank you for your feedback.